Viking CruisesAll passengers and crew are required to be vaccinated on Vikings river and ocean shipswithout exception. Booked guests will be provided full details specific to their port of departure before sailing, Royal Caribbean spokeswoman Lyan Sierra-Caro said in an email. In May, the CDC scaled back slightly on its tough restrictions for cruise lines by allowing ships to declare themselves as highly vaccinated if 90 percent of passengers and at least 95 percent of crew were vaccinated. Our CareTeam will assist with daily wellbeing check-ins . On March 19, 2021, Celebrity Cruises announced that Celebrity Millennium would begin cruises out of St. Maarten on June 5, 2021. When cruise lines restarted operations in summer 2021, after being banned by the CDC from operating for 15 months due to COVID-19-related safety concerns, it was with strict CDC-imposed regulations. But this past July, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) dropped its COVID-19 Program for Cruise Ships, letting individual cruise lines set their own standards. Cruise ships often have food buffets, which can be easily contaminated and lead to the rapid spread of illnesses like norovirus. - As of Dec. 1, 2022, guests traveling with Azamara no longer need to be vaccinated against COVID-19 on sailings starting and ending in the U.S. or Europe. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) is officially the first company to welcome unvaccinated travelers onboard its cruise brands Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises without any capacity limits, and the industry response is one largely of praise. These regulations are continuously evolving and if an additional test is required at a port of call we will provide advanced notice to all guests. Our ships have been sailing very full all summer, but there is still room for more of our loyal guests and these guidelines will make it a simpler process and make cruising accessible to those who were not able to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months, said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival. Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines, including boosters, FDA, CDC expand Pfizer & Moderna bivalent vaccines to kids 6 months and up with Sandra Fryhofer, MD, Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. The changes began shortly. Guests aged three and older may embark without testing or vaccination, if providing documentation that he/she has recovered from COVID-19 between ten to 90 days prior to the departure date. As Disney Cruise Line (we, us) returns to sailing following the public health threat of COVID-19, we are changing some of our usual practices. Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, accept vaccines recommended or approved by the World Health Organization as well as the CDC. Royal Caribbean just announced a flood of summer cruises. That's because cruise ships, with their tight quarters, buffet-style living and international travel, can be a breeding ground for the coronavirus. Most major cruise lines require proof of vaccination for all passengers age 12 and up, and some require them for kids as young as 5 years old (Pfizer's vaccine was authorized for kids ages 5 to 11 at the beginning of November). Still, there are exceptions. Safety protocols for unvaccinated passengers have also not been announced. Most cruise lines kept requirements for vaccinations and precruise testing in place, but that changed in late July, after the CDC backed off even further from its monitoring of the cruise industry. All passengers age 12 and up, who completed their primary vaccine series more than five months ago, are required to be boosted. Were thrilled that NCLH has updated their sailing guidelines to welcome unvaccinated guests and adjust testing requirements.. Vaccinations are optional. This website uses cookies. CDC, FDA Investigating PotentialBut 'Unlikely'Link Between Pfizer Booster and Stroke Risk, This Year's Flu Shot Is a 'Good Match,' CDC SaysBut Cases and Hospitalizations Continue to Rise, Omicron vs. Delta: How the 2 COVID-19 Variants Compare, Omicron Boosters Could Save 90,000 Lives This WinterBut Only if People Get Them. SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 12, 2022) - Princess Cruises today announced updated COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, removing the vaccine requirement for most voyages of less than 16 days so that anyone can cruise, and adjusting pre-travel testing requirements to make it less complicated. If you chose not to get a COVID-19 vaccine, can you still go on your favorite cruise vacation? This news is very exciting for us and our industry.. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reality is even if you booked a cruise with the assumption you were going to be on a ship where everyone is vaccinated and tested, that may no longer be the case. While much of the travel industry has returned to a pre-pandemic state, cruising has been slower to rebound from some of the tightest restrictions over the last two and a half years. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on most voyages, except for itineraries that feature destinations with local regulations that may continue to require vaccination including Australia. - All other cruises still require proof of initial vaccination and a booster until further notice. What happens if I get sick whilst onboard? As to what percentage of his clients he thinks are unvaccinated and will be affected by this announcement, he estimates no higher than around 10%. Guests are strongly recommended to set sail fully vaccinated, if they are eligible, the cruise line said in a news release. "We have been waiting a long time for this moment to arrive, Oceanias president and CEO Howard Sherman said in a statement. Other cruise lines are singing the same tune. Check out our variety of itineraries. Unvaccinated guests are welcome but required to have a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to departure, subject to local regulations. As delivering the best experience for our guests is always a top priority, after working closely with our destination partners, we anticipate that guests will be free to explore certain ports of call on their own. At long last, cruise lines are finally starting to drop their vaccine mandates and allow all passengers inoculated or not to sail on their ships. Guests requiring proof of a negative COVID-19 test to return to their home country are directed to visit a clinic near the disembarkation terminal or airport. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations for some. Also called a "bivalent" booster, the updated booster became available for people aged 511 on October 12, 2022. The company announced the requirement as it plans. CDC continues to recommend that cruise travelers remain up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines and get tested for COVID-19 before and after they travel, and after any known exposure to a person with COVID-19. Disney also highly recommends vaccines for younger kids. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except for those in Australia or some that are 16 nights or longer. Will I be required to take a COVID test to disembark the vessel? Vaccines are still required for cruises in the Bahamas and Caribbean; precruise testing is not required for vaccinated guests on cruises of less than six nights. Many US-based cruise lines say they're currently following the regulations put forth by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and those are subject to change as the coronavirus pandemic does. Please refer to. A cruise can be a fun way to visit certain areas of the world at a slower pace. Paul Gauguin CruisesVaccinations are required for all passengers over age 5. And as in the noncruise world, the changes in regulations are happening quickly and travelers will need to stay updated on the latest. The cruise line may also require a test at the pier, paid for by the cruise line.) Do I need another booster? This includes vaccines such as AstraZeneca and Sinovac. Travel is making its grand comeback, and were looking forward to the continued momentum from consumers around the world, Celebrity President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said last month. They're also easing rules for pre-boarding testing, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. Before CNET, she worked in local journalism covering public health issues, business and music. Vaccines heavily reduce the chances that you'll become infected in the first place. In addition to a broad set of coverage benefits, our plans cover medical expenses for illnesses, including COVID-19. It seems most cruise lines are following the CDC's definition of fully vaccinated, which means two weeks have passed since your second shot of Pfizer or Moderna, or since your one-dose Johnson & Johnson shot. Unvaccinated passengers are welcome to sail on all cruises departing from Europe and the U.S. Vaccination continues to be required on voyages to or from Australia, New Zealand, and the Galapagos Islands. Royal Caribbean will require vaccinations for some cruises: ships leaving Seattle for Alaska this summer, those sailing from the Bahamas and ships leaving from other international ports. Royal CaribbeanAll passengers are welcome regardless of vaccine status as of September 5, on select routes such as cruises from Los Angeles, Galveston (though those age 12 and up need to be vaccinated to go ashore in Grand Cayman), and New Orleans (same rule with Grand Cayman), and in most destinations in Europe. Here's what to know about setting sail without a COVID-19 vaccination. Earlier this month, Oceania dropped testing requirements for vaccinated passengers; unvaccinated guests need to show proof of a negative antigen or PCR test taken within 72 hours. While some cruise lines state they'll accept medical exemptions, others do not, and it also might depend on the port. The added Florida requirement comes on the heels two unvaccinated passengers under age 16 tested positive for COVID on board the cruise line's Adventure of the Seas ship and after sister. Get tested again after cruise travel. However, since cruise operations have resumed, a large portion of social media comments and discussions among cruise travelers have centered around vaccinations, and COVID-19 restrictions more broadly. Also, crew members may work multiple voyages, passing on germs transmitted from previous passengers. Even if your particular cruise line does not have a pre-travel testing requirement, test one to three days before your trip anyway to minimize the risk to others. While Health is trying to keep our stories as up-to-date as possible, we also encourage readers to stay informed on news and recommendations for their own communities by using the CDC, WHO, and their local public health department as resources. Please keep in mind that this is largely dependent on the local health authorities and the evolving regulations, which are subject to change. Unvaccinated guests will only need to submit a self-administered test taken within three days of sailing. Presidents gain too much power when emergencies like covid hit, The Checkup With Dr. Wen: Three important studies shed light on long covid, We are not overcounting covid deaths in the United States, China, speeding through phases of covid, gets on with living with virus, FDA advisers favor retiring original covid shot and using newer version. Check with Seabourn for protocols on your specific sailing. Spice up your small talk with the latest tech news, products and reviews. By continuing to browse the site you agree to our use of cookies. Not only will being fully vaccinated help protect you from getting seriously ill with COVID-19, but it can also help protect those around you,Thomas Russo, MD,professor and chief of infectious disease at the University at Buffalo, toldHealth. Unvaccinated guests are welcome on most voyages. Retesting three to five days after returning, and in particular, if symptoms have developed, is also advised, says Dr. Jasmin Valentin of Sameday Health. Do bivalent boosters work against XBB.1.5? Small ship company Windstar Cruises said Monday it also will require passengers to be vaccinated against COVID-19, The Miami Herald reported. cruise lines have started setting sail again, "mix and match" approach to COVID-19 vaccines, written confirmation from their medical provider, over 10 times more likely to die from the disease, doesn't allow children under the age of 5 to cruise, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. We have also enhanced our onboard medical capabilities with additional staffing and enhanced facilities. Booster shots are not required. A guest is considered fully vaccinated 14 days after the required number of doses in their vaccine series have been fully administered (e.g. In the specific event that you have a child turning 5 during the voyage, check in with your cruise line before buying a ticket. As is true for most travel restrictions these days, your ability to book a cruise may depend on your vaccination status. Windstar will also administer for each passenger a complimentary COVID-19 test prior to sailing. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, shopping, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Womens Health, Self, Prevention, Forbes, Daily Beast, and more. Additional terms and conditions may apply, see our COVID- 19 Policies and Procedures and your Cruise Ticket Contract for details. Check with Cunard for information on your specific sailing. All guests should assess their individual risk level and consult with their doctor if needed prior to sailing. The health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve is our top priority and we continue to monitor and adjust to the evolving global situation, Celestyals Chief Commercial Officer Leslie Peden said in a statement. Mask Policy Masks on board are recommended but not required indoors or outdoors. The new protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, such as Canada, Australia, and Greece. You also might need to purchase travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage if you have an unvaccinated guest in your party and you're departing from a Florida or Texas port. All passengers age 4 and up must take a prearrival test and show a negative result to board. Should You Test for COVID Before Your Omicron Booster? Before you book, contact the cruise line to see if it'll accept an exemption and also look into the local laws of where you'll be visiting if and when you get off the ship for an excursion. Many major cruise lines require anyone who is eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine to be fully inoculated . Youll find expert advice for experienced and first-time cruisers, as well as port and destination guides. In you are an unvaccinated adult, some cruise lines will now let you sail, others will not. Or will NCL offer testing onboard to meet travel requirements for guests flying back to countries that require negative COVID-19 test results to re-enter the country post cruise? Additional travel restrictions for certain nationalities or countries may arise based on the quickly evolving public health environment. As of this month, the majority of cruise passengers are required to be both fully vaccinated and tested for COVID-19 before getting on a ship; some exceptions to the vaccination rules applied only for kids under age 12 and a very small number of adults seeking exemptions. Cruise ships have been under the CDC's Conditional Sail Order since October 2020. Can You Get Omicron and Delta COVID-19 Variants at the Same Time? Those eligible for boosters are also required to have received them. Jessica is a writer on the Wellness team with a focus on health news. The change allowed more unvaccinated children who didnt yet qualify for a vaccine (currently those under the age of five) or had not obtained a vaccine to come onboard during the summer. Carnival Cruise Line Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages except. Norovirus. That enables a virus to spread more easily from person to person. CDC also continues to recommend mask wearing in indoor travel settings.. Viking strongly recommends passengers receive a booster dose before departing. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine before your cruise is not only cost effective, but it could save your life. A couple of the factors in that unique combination are crowded spaces and tight quarters. If you're an adult in the US, the answer is probably not, unless you're one of the few people with a medical or religious exemption (and whether you'll be offered an exemption depends on the cruise line). Guests will no longer need to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result prior to departing home. Outbreak updates for international cruise ships. Vaccine questions, answered. Before Norwegians announcement, both Princess Cruises and Virgin Voyages indicated that they would accept unvaccinated passengers, but limited that population to up to 10% of their guest capacity. Yes, we offer guests the option to purchase travel protection plans. Are children allowed to sail on your ships if they are not vaccinated? Holland America LineAs of September 6, on most voyages of 15 nights or less, vaccinated guests age 5 and up do not need to be tested prior to cruising. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications, remedies, and virus-testing equipment as available. The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Detours with locals. Children as young as age 5 are now able to get vaccinated, so your ability to cruise may depend on whether you've chosen to get your child vaccinated. The requirements depend on the cruise line. Will any countries visited during the cruise require additional testing to enter the country? It's also important to know that while all adults in the US are now eligible for boosters, the definition of "fully vaccinated" hasn't changed and you don't need an extra shot to be considered fully vaccinated. The line doesn't allow kids younger than 8 years old to sail, so young-child exemptions aren't a . This article was published more than1 year ago. FDA, CDC expand Pfizer & Moderna bivalent vaccines to kids 6 months and up with Sandra Fryhofer, MD. All guests are strongly advised to monitor current travel requirements and advisories for their home countries. If you have a weakened immune system, talk with your healthcare provider about your cruise travel plans. Latest travel advice from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office, Schedule an on-line proctoring consultation, Any documentation required from the country where the guest is embarking. A precruise test is no longer required on the river ships. Guests can rest assured that their health and safety are our top priority and measures will be communicated in a timely manner ahead of our return to sailing., Latest on the cruise comeback: Rogue wave incident | Overboard passenger saved | Covid hits Sydney cruise | Carnival fining unruly passengers | Unvaccinated passengers welcomed | Cheap cruises | No more CDC stats | Record bookings | Rape lawsuit | Carnival fire | Passenger bill of rights | CDC drops cruise warnings | Passenger overboard | Crystal ships seized. Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries make sure to check Travel Requirements by Country to understand country specific requirements. These requirements will vary by country and is the responsibility of the guest and supersede our policy. The family-focused cruise line has been rolling out new regulations this month. But now cruise lines are starting to drop those vaccine and testing requirements, making it easier for cruise-goers to sail the seas. Wash your hands frequently. Regent Seven Seas CruisesAs with sister lines Norwegian and Oceania, vaccinated guests age 12 are not required to have any precruise COVID-19 testing or other protocols. With Sail Safe, our industry leading Health & Safety Program, we will continue to put our guests and our crew members first by keeping everyone safe and healthy on board our ships and in the communities we visit. Onboard medical centres are also abundantly stocked with common prescription medications and remedies. The cruise line continues to strongly recommend all guests be up to date on vaccination protocols and test at their convenience prior to travel. Some countries issue "certificates of recovery" if someone has been infected with COVID-19 and recovered, issuing a certificate that proves a positive COVID-19 test and recovery, instead of vaccination as someone's proof of immunity. All onboard venues and activities will be available unless staffing or other challenges onboard prevent normal operations. Note: There may be additional requirements if you are traveling internationally, and the rules can changesometimes overnight. CunardAll guests age 16 and up must be vaccinated, including with booster shots. Can I buy travel insurance through Norwegian Cruise Line? The reasons for the changes are clear: 1) the CDC is no longer requiring specific COVID protocols for cruising; 2) cruise lines want more business. No precruise testing is required for vaccinated guests on sailings of five nights or less. Destination specific requirements will still need to be met. Beginning September 2, for sailings departing U.S. and Canadian ports, guests ages 12 and older are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at the time of sailing. Those who are unvaccinated or unable to verify vaccination will be required to undergo testing and follow other protocols, which will be announced at a later date.. The protocols do not apply to itineraries for countries where local regulations may vary, including Canada, Australia, and Greece. Self-tests are accepted in some cases, but it's best to check the specifics on the site. Chances are if you're unvaccinated, you'll need to book a specific tour with the cruise line, such as Carnival's "bubble tour" for unvaccinated guests, which is mostly families with children who are too young to be vaccinated. We know from our advisors that their unvaccinated clients have been waiting for this announcement, and I have no doubt that we will see a spike in cruise bookings, Fee said. Windstar CruisesAll passengers must be fully vaccinated. Check the U.S. State Departments detailed COVID-19 travel information and country-specific advisories, which are updated regularly. What completed travel documents do I need to board the ship? Ad Choices. It's also important to consider who's coming with you. Vacationers can finally plan to take their precious time off this summer and truly get away after what has been a challenging time for everyone.. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone:(201) 902-2000. Should the need arise, we also have partnerships with onshore medical institutions in place to provide clinical advice and assistance as needed. Check with Carnival for specific cruise requirements. Onboard medical consultations and treatments are provided at a charge for all respiratory illnesses. Before boarding, you may need to present a vaccine waiver, wear a mask, or provide a negative test. Here are some of the latest cruise lines that are pulling back on pandemic measures. Looking for a family cruise on Disney's cruise line? In a statement, the cruise lines president and CEO, Michael Bayley, thanked elected officials including Gov. This does not supersede country specific requirements - Travel Requirements by Country. Also enacted earlier this month on September 3, the Miami-based company will now allow guests over the age of 12 who are not vaccinated to board if they have a negative PCR or antigen test taken within 72 hours of embarkation. And the rules are constantly changing. First Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and MSC Cruises all announced they would eliminate precruise testing requirements for vaccinated guests on cruises of six nights or less, while hinting that there would be additional loosening of requirements once they got the necessary approvals from the governments of countries the ships visit. Cruise ship travel during COVID-19. Before your trip, you will need to review your cruise lines health and safety protocols. Are there any restrictions on pre-existing health conditions or limitations for guests due to COVID-19? For an easy to use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visit www.testfortravel.com. The pandemic after the pandemic: Long covid haunts millions of people. Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories? Rules may be different depending on requirements of locales visited. Masks and social distancing are now also optional, but surgical masks are still required for the first seven days of trans-oceanic and World Tour itineraries. (Unvaccinated guests will have to undergo special testing onboard to visit Spain or Greece.) Disney Cruise Line. Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail on all voyages, except for itineraries that feature destinations that continue to require vaccinations. For other agents, the business benefits remain to be seen. It wasn't uncommon to see reports of outbreaks ofnorovirus, a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. For an easy-to-use online tool for locating COVID-19 testing providers around the world, please visitwww.TestForTravel.com. River cruise line Avalon Waterways is requiring that prior to sailing, passengers show proof of COVID-19 vaccination completed at least 14 days before travel, proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR or antigen test taken no more than 72 hours before travel, or proof of recovery from a COVID-19 diagnosis within three months of travel. If a guest follows health and safety protocols and tests positive during their cruise, the Cruise Line will help coordinate necessary onboard COVID-19-related medical consultation, standard/common prescription drugs, and required land-based quarantine. How Long Does It Take for the COVID-19 Booster To Be Effective? Fee is also hopeful that the remainder of cruise lines will follow suit soon. For departures through 2022, proof of vaccination or certificate of recent recovery is no longer required, though testing protocols will still be in place. Should there be an annual coronavirus booster? Additionally, some cruise lines require unvaccinated people to present a negative test taken within a few days of boarding. Simply enter your zip code, or city and country, and the website will display locations, contact information, and testing hours. While guests over the age of five previously had to be vaccinated, starting in early September, unvaccinated passengers under the age of 12 are now allowed to board. (The only"mix and match" approach to COVID-19 vaccinesin the US applies to boosters.). Guests on cruises longer than 16 nights will have to test if stopping in destinations that require tests locally (like Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia; these destinations require the tests to be supervised). People . If a guest tests positive for COVID-19 while on board, what costs are covered? All rights reserved. For additional information, please visit Cruise Travel Requirements by Country. Present one of the following: Negative COVID-19 antigen test within 24 hours of the embarkation date. Precruise testing is required for all guests. But even before the COVID-19 pandemic, cruise ships didn't have the best reputation for being disease-free. SeabournAs of September 6, fully vaccinated passengers will no longer be required to submit a precruise COVID-19 test. Passengers age 4 and under do not require a vaccination. We encourage all guests to file a claim with their travel insurance carrier for reimbursement inquiries. Despite the law, two of the biggest cruise lines, Carnival and Norwegian have decided to impose proof-of-vaccination requirements, according to information published on their websites.. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends updating people on their COVID-19 vaccines before going on a cruise. But the CDC still maintained a close watch, publishing a color-coded chart of ship outbreaks that it updated regularly. Vaccinated guests are required to provide proof of negative COVID-19 test in addition to vaccination documentation, as listed above, only when embarking in Australia. As of today, 90 percent of all vacationers booking with Royal Caribbean are either vaccinated or planning to get vaccinated in time for their cruise.. Carnival Cruise Line is joining Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line in dropping its COVID-19 vaccine requirement.. Starting March 11, 2023, proof of vaccination for sailings to or from Europe will no longer be required. You may be required to arrive at your ship with a negative COVID-19 test result in hand or not. Political buffoonery: Cruise lines head for showdown with DeSantis over vaccine requirement ban, Thanks in large part to the successful rollout of vaccines, the world of adventure is beginning to open up, and we are all excited to start delivering great vacations to our guests, who have increasingly told us they are getting vaccinated, Bayley said in the statement. Heres a rundown of the basic rules for some leading cruise lines.